Brittany Harris, Executive Director of Cirque Lodge Treatment Center, sits down with Robbie and Patrick to discuss what sparked her passion and led her into this demanding field, and into this esteemed position. Brittany began working at Cirque Lodge in 1999 and by 2008 was working as a member of the management team, overseeing different aspects of the functional operations side of our facilities. Over the next 12 years she continued in this capacity, working side by side with our then Executive Director. In 2020 she began overseeing the revenue side of the organization, being chiefly responsible for admissions and marketing, as well as being intimately involved in the 80,000 square foot expansion of the studio location. She was named Executive Director in March 2022. Brittany currently serves as a board member for the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers and volunteers on multiple committees within the organization including but not limited to "women supporting women in leadership". Brittany shares powerful experiences from her family of origin and how helplessly watching her loved ones suffer from addiction created the need to help others. Brittany represents everything that is good in this world. She is sensitive, loyal, altruistic, and driven and we are honored to have had her on our show for an incredibly inspiring conversation.

Robbie traveled to LA to sit down with actor and comedian, John Ross Bowie. Bowie has over 100 credits in TV and film, including: “The Big Bang Theory,” (11 seasons as Barry Kripke) “Speechless,” (3 seasons as Jimmy Dimeo) “Fresh off the Boat,” “Episodes,” “Brooklyn 99,” “House of Lies,” “Heroes," multiple "CSIs,"  Jumanji: The Next Level, He’s Just Not That Into You, and What the Bleep do we Know? He is also an incredibly talented improv comedian, as you will see. In 2022, he published No Job For A Man, his memoir titled after a quote from his father about making money from the arts. He has been performing at Upright Citizens Brigade theater since 1998, and can often be seen in SUPERMARRIED, the two person improv show with his wife, Jamie Denbo. Bowie also quit drinking and that was fun to discuss as well. 

Mike Gminski, a former American professional basketball player, is renowned for his impressive career in the NBA and now, his contributions to advocacy around addiction recovery. Making a name for himself at Duke University, Gminski was a standout center, earning multiple accolades including All-ACC and All-American honors. His college success paved the way for a distinguished NBA career, where he played for teams like the New Jersey Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, and the Charlotte Hornets. Beyond the basketball court, Gminski has also built a remarkable 30-year career in broadcasting, where his insights and experience have made him a respected voice in sports media. Alongside this successful broadcasting career, he faced and overcame significant struggles with addiction. His journey to recovery has been a source of inspiration and motivation for his advocacy work in the field of addiction recovery. Gminski is passionately involved in helping others who face similar challenges, using his personal experience and public platform to raise awareness about addiction and the possibilities of recovery. He actively participates in various programs and initiatives that support those battling addiction, often sharing his story to encourage and guide others towards a path of sobriety and health. He’s currently the Director of Mentorship at Sana House and sits on the Board of Directors at Emerald School of Excellence, NC’s first recovery high school.  Thank you to our sponsor: Bonbuz

Initiated by the Joe Martin ALS Foundation, Robbie Shaw traveled to LA to sit down with Aaron Lazar about his experience before, during and after his ALS diagnosis. Aaron is an actor, singer, and entrepreneur known for his work on Broadway, television, film and concerts and has made it his personal mission to educate and inspire people around the world who are battling this awful disease. Aaron will be the keynote for the Joe Martin ALS Foundation’s April 17th and 18th fundraising events in Greensboro and Charlotte. Tickets here. This episode was co-produced by Studio City Sound and produced by EVRYBDY Studios.

Joining Robbie Shaw and Patrick Balsley on the Champagne Problems Podcast is Michael Stutts, a native Charlottean with a unique and inspiring story. Once a high-flying executive, Michael chose a drastic shift from the corner office to a psych ward, prioritizing mental health over his remarkable career in investment banking and management consulting. In his compelling book, "There’s No Room Service at the Psych Ward," Michael candidly shares his journey, offering valuable insights for high achievers facing similar challenges. His experiences as a former Managing Director, Partner at a global consultancy, and C-suite executive in major corporations, combined with his personal battles and victories, make for an engaging and enlightening conversation about mental health, resilience, and starting anew.  Instagram: @mstutts Thank you to our sponsor: Bonbuz

Robbie and Patrick sit down with Hilary Phelps, recovery advocate, former swimmer, and older sister of Olympic swimmer, Michael Phelps. Hilary discusses her relationship with alcohol and drugs throughout adolescence and early adulthood and shares the experiences that led to her decision to get sober and build a life, and subsequent career, filled with connection and purpose. From her early years, Hilary shone brightly as a beacon of promise, excelling with top grades and outpacing her peers as the nation's fastest swimmer in the country for her age group. Yet, at just 14, her life took a dramatic turn with her first sip of alcohol, marking the beginning of a 15-year struggle with addiction—a time filled with profound emptiness, confusion, and a sense of being lost. At 29, Hilary courageously took a significant step towards healing by checking into rehab for substance use disorder. Her journey into sobriety entailed much more than simply giving up alcohol; it was about fundamentally changing her life, distancing herself from negative influences, and confronting the underlying issues that led her to addiction.  After 15 years of keeping her story of sobriety and recovery to herself (a quiet, personal victory), she realized the power and importance of sharing her story. She began to publicly share her story which led to more opportunities to speak out. Through these experiences, Hilary discovered a deeper purpose: to offer hope and encouragement to others who are healing quietly, helping them to persevere by openly sharing her own journey of recovery and healing. Today, as a speaker, an addiction recovery advocate, writer, and holistic wellness coach, Hilary is dedicated to helping other women find their voices and heal from the challenges holding them back. Thank you to our sponsor: Bonbuz: https://bonbuz.com/

Robbie Shaw and Shep Rose of Bravo’s Southern Charm reality TV show, have an entertaining, energetic and often deep discussion around life in the public eye, fame, expectations, and growth. Shep opens up about some of his struggles and subsequent changes he’s looking to make as he focuses more on his general well-being. Thank you to our sponsor: Bonbuz: https://bonbuz.com/

Champagne Problems host Patrick Balsey, facilitates a live panel discussion at the Counterculture NA beverage festival. Panelists include Counterculture Club founder Molly Ruggere, Jacob Virgil, Director of Strategic development at Noda Brewing, Miranda Michaels, Events Manager for The Mule and Devils Foot Beverage Company and Corinne Brown, the founder of Be Refreshed Beverage Company. Tune in to hear a wide range discussion on the topic of NA beverage and NA culture.  Thank you to our sponsor: Bonbuz: https://bonbuz.com/

Liz is an award-winning journalist, international bestselling author and has been the executive producer and host of several critically acclaimed digital series at Vox Media and NBC News. She hosts Synced, a podcast with Monica Padman and Dax Shepard and the Man Enough podcast with Justin Baldoni and Jamey Heath where they interview influential figures about their journey to manhood. Her critically acclaimed book “For The Love of Men: a Vision for Mindful Masculinity” was featured in Vogue, Esquire, Playboy, ELLE Magazine, GQ, NPR, The Washington Post on Morning Joe and on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert. She is the CEO of Liz Plank Productions and is a columnist for MSNBC and has been listed as one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30, Mediaite’s Most Influential in News Media, and Marie Claire’s Most Powerful Women, and was named one of the World’s Most Influential People in Gender Policy by Apolitical. She’s built a loyal following across social media platforms, but her proudest accomplishment remains being blocked by the 45th president of the United States. Robbie's co-host today is former guest and friend of the podcast, Sarah Olin.  Sarah Olin is the founder and CEO of Luscious Mother, whose mission is to support women in their pursuit and creation of great lives – however they define them. Robbie and Sarah go deep with Liz and shed light on the many passions that drive Liz to be one of the most powerful forces in the world of journalism today. Thank you to our sponsor: Bonbuz: https://bonbuz.com/

Ditched the Drink is a wellness company dedicated to helping professionals drink less before it gets worse. Heather provides content, knowledge, coaching, and education to individuals and organizations seeking to be more alcohol free. Heather is passionate about coaching, connecting people with alcohol free resources, and creating a positive sober community. Tune in as Robbie and Heather have an enjoyable conversation around all things alcohol, alcohol-free, and the freedom from alcohol. Thank you to our sponsor: Bonbuz: https://bonbuz.com/